PRESS STATEMENT
THE CENTRAL BOARD OF MUHAMMADIYAH
NUMBER: 002/PER/I.0/I/2020
ABOUT
NEW NORMAL
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim
Recent news and government’s announcement on a “new normal” have emerged perplexities. On the one hand, large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) are still implemented, but they also announced restriction relaxation. The circumstances can lead to tension between authorities and people. Indeed, some authorities occasionally use force to execute the rules.
Regarding the new normal, the government must provide an explanation of the policy so that the people will not have their own interpretation. Malls and shopping centers commence opening while mosques and other places of worship remain closed. The conditions may render friction between the government and the people. In fact, socio-religious movements have committed to performing worship at home that the situation cannot easily be accepted, but it is undertaken to prevent the COVID-19 transmission impacts.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has yet been tackled, but the government relaxed the restriction and declared the new normal. It, then, brings up a query whether the declaration has been studied validly and thoroughly with epidemiologists. Public presume that their lives are lesser than the economic interest. Reviving the economy is vital, but saving people’s lives is much more crucial when a reduction of COVID-19 cases cannot be determined.
Thus, the government must mull the new normal policy over and objectively and transparently specify: (1) the basis of the new normal from the foremost aspect, namely the current COVID-19 transmission condition in Indonesia, (2) purposes of the new normal, (3) consequences of the previous regulations, particularly dealing with the PSBB and public services, (4) security of red zone areas where the new normal will be implemented, (5) preparations to protect the people from the COVID-19 infection.
The government with the power and resources possess legality to make a policy which concerns with people’s lives. The government will entirely be responsible for all of the corollaries of the new normal policy which will be applied in this nation.
All people wish that this pandemic would be over in Indonesia and other countries. However, we need thoroughness so that what we have attempted for three months will not be in vain. May Allah save this nation.